Thread: WATER HEATER STRAIGHT VENT PIPE

hey guys

no furnace connection but is this allowed straight vent pipe

cvf

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If you are asking whether you can have a straight/vertical run right off of the water heater, then the answer is yes.

I didn't think galvanized piping was permitted.

Yep, preferred for at least the first foot above the draft hood, no reason to offset if otherwise unnecessary.

On a related note, the combustible item atop the WH is violating the clearance requirements of the top zone of the WH; the notchout exposed studding & bracing on the wall, and the drywall itself appears to be violating the combustible clearance requirements of single wall vent; it is difficult to determiine scale, but since orphaned, that SW vent should be a minimum of 4"; that single-wall-unsupported-offset-transition-to-B-vent is suspect; and if that WH is in an unconditioned space, such as garage or unconditioned basement, attic, etc. it should be B-vent from the draft hood all the way to the outdoors termination.

Originally Posted by Raymond Wand

I didn't think galvanized piping was permitted

Despite Mr. Wand's stated concern, there is no prohibition using galvanized sheet metal of the minimum required guage for SW vent, where appropriate such as in conditioned spaces venting Cat. I appliances. There is also no prohibition to use approved galvanized pipe for plumbing. Transition from galv. pipe nipple to copper should be via a permitted transition, i.e. dielectric, brass UNION of sufficient length, etc.

Well, this vent is not straight vertical without an offset because it not only has an elbow offset using single walled pipe but the B-vent is tilted, which makes me concerned how is the next joint up in that ceiling space? Note the drywall has been replaced around the B-vent so someone has been up there.

I would question if they have the 6" clearance to that notched combustible shelf.

I do not see a draft hood connector which *should* be used any time you transition from single walled pipe to B-vent.

I would question what kind of support that B-vent has above the ceiling and if it meets clearances.

Since the single walled pipe does have an offset, then it should be supported laterally in two axis.

The single walled connector needs 3 screws per joint equidistantly space.

That's about as much as I can see from my desk without my magnifying lens.

Straight vertical venting without offsets is the preferred method of venting for all natural draft appliances unless specifically stated otherwise by the mfr. Tall straight runs may overdraft so that would be one reason to intentionally add an offset.

Reminder, that GE Branded WH's are exclusive to a Big-Box Chain, this is likely a DIY, Handyman, or "contracted service" replacement by OTHER than a licensed plumbing contractor, and doubtfully permitted or inspected. A size "upgrade" possible, and further not likely to have had derating (if necessary due to altitude), size/volume for CAZ, etc. evaluations performed, modifications of the gas plumbing/delivery system considered if a size increase; or an inspection of the previously existing venting system.